An apparatus is disclosed that attaches to a bicycle seat stem for allowing connection of a trailering device for pulling by the bicycle. The apparatus has an elongated body with an aperture on one end for receiving a bicycle seat stem and a socket on the opposite end for attaching a trailer or other device.
|
20. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end; said elongated body having an aperture proximate to the first end for receiving the bicycle seat stem and a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device; and a reflector cap affixed to the second end of said elongated body.
19. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end; said elongated body having an aperture proximate to the first end for receiving the bicycle seat stem and a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device; wherein said socket comprises a slot in a top portion of said elongated body having a substantially u-shaped configuration.
1. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end; said elongated body having an aperture through said body proximate to the first end for receiving the bicycle seat stem and a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device; a reflector end cap affixed to the second end of said elongated body; and an elastic ring for securing the trailering device in the socket.
21. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end; an end cap proximate to the second end of said body; said body having (1) an angled aperture proximate to the first end for pivotally securing said body about the bicycle seat stem to provide for at least partial rotation of said body around the seat stem, (2) a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device, and (3) a substantially circular cross section.
8. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end, said body having (1) an angled aperture proximate to the first end for pivotally securing said body about the bicycle seat stem to provide for at least partial rotation of said body around the seat stem, and (2) a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device: an elastic ring for securing the trailering device to the socket; and an end cap proximate to the second end of said body.
7. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end; and an end cap proximate to the second end of said body; said body having (1) an angled aperture proximate to the first end for pivotally securing said body about the bicycle seat stem to provide for at least partial rotation of said body around the seat stem, and (2) a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device; wherein said socket comprises a substantially u-shaped slot in a top portion of said elongated body.
15. An apparatus attachable to a bicycle seat stem for pulling a trailering device, comprising:
an elongated body having a first end and a second end; and an end cap proximate to the second end of said body; said body having (1) an angled aperture proximate to the first end for pivotally securing said body about the bicycle seat stem to provide for at least partial rotation of said body around the seat stem, and (2) a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device, wherein said end cap comprises a reflector affixed proximate to the second end of said elongated body.
16. An improved bicycle for pulling a trailering device, wherein the bicycle has a seat stem which is removable from a bicycle frame, the improvement comprising:
a trailer attachment device, wherein said trailer attachment device comprises (1) an elongated body having a first end and a second end, said elongated body further having an aperture proximate to the first end for receiving the seat stem and a socket proximate to the second end for attaching the trailering device, (2) a reflector end cap, and (3) an elastic ring for securing the trailering device in the socket; and wherein said trailer attachment device is pivotally secured about said bicycle seat stem to provide for at least partial rotation of said trailer attachment device around said seat stem.
4. The apparatus of
6. The apparatus of
10. The apparatus of
13. The apparatus of
17. The bicycle of
|
This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/119,723, filed Feb. 12, 1999, which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to bicycle equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching a trailer to a bicycle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Specific items have been transported by bicycle, either by direct attachments to the frame of the bicycle or devices designed to trailer behind the bicycle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,304 (Smith) describes a device for trailering a pull-type golf cart by bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,710 (Fleurimont) describes a device for coupling one bicycle with another. U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,847 (King et al) describes a device for trailering a fishing apparatus by bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,634 (Bemer) describes a device for trailering an infant by bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,559 (Moulton) describes a collapsible utility cart for multiple purposes. Other patents that describe various ways of pulling a trailer behind a bicycle include U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,723 (Fahey et al) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,113 (Albitre).
Disadvantages associated with the prior art trailering devices include one or more of the following: (1) the devices are specific in utility and perform a single function; (2) the devices being trailered must be modified for trailering by bicycle and re-modified for use without bicycle; (3) the devices work with only the specific accompanied cart attachment(s); (4) the devices are not designed to work with the multitude of wheeled devices currently available in the marketplace; and (5) the devices cannot be left in place as part of the bicycle when utilizing the bicycle for riding and not transporting. It would be desirable to have a trailering device that would enable almost any multi-wheeled cart to be safely transported by bicycle when in use and with little additional weight, could be left in place when the bicycle is utilized for just riding and not trailering.
The present invention includes an apparatus that attaches to a bicycle seat stem for allowing connection of a trailering device for towing by the bicycle. As used herein, the term trailering device includes luggage carts, golf carts, portable folding carts, garden carts, shopping carts, mail carts, dollies, trailers, lawn mowers, power washers, wheeled garbage cans, wagons, rickshaws, market carts, beach carts, other wheeled pull carts, and the like.
The apparatus preferably has an elongated, tubular body with a first aperture through the body on one end for receiving a bicycle seat stem and a socket in the form of a second aperture or a slot on the opposite end of the body for attaching a trailer or other device. Preferably, the apparatus is affixed to the bicycle seat stem by removing the bicycle seat stem from the bicycle frame and inserting the stem through the first aperture.
The elongated body of the apparatus is preferably manufactured from a substantially rigid material and may be tubular in configuration. The elongated tubular body of the device generally should be of a larger internal diameter than the bicycle seat stem such that the body can encompass the seat stem. Additionally, the body preferably has a larger internal diameter than the bar/grip attached at the opposite end from the seat stem. As used herein, the term "bar/grip" is a generic term referring to handles, grips, hand grips, pull bars, knobs, and the like as are commonly known and used on wheeled devices such as can be trailered. Preferably, the elongated body is long enough to prevent the device being pulled from making contact with or rubbing against the bicycle.
The first aperture preferably passes through the elongated body in angled relation to vertical. The first aperture is also referred to herein as the angled aperture. For attachment to a bicycle, the seat stem of the bicycle is inserted in the angled aperture. Preferably, the aperture is sized to accommodate the majority of bicycle seat stems and is angled to account for the angled nature of bicycle seat stems installations.
The present apparatus can ride freely at the base of the seat stem or a vertical stop can be installed. The vertical stop allows the trailer attachment to ride at any given vertical position along the bicycle seat stem and does not hinder rotative movement around the seat stem. One example of an acceptable vertical stop is an o-ring that can be inserted around the seat stem. The o-ring preferably has an internal diameter slightly smaller than the seat stem and an external diameter larger than the angled aperture. The o-ring is preferably manufactured of an elastic material such that it expands around the seat stem but contracts into place when positioned.
The socket, in the form of a second aperture or a slot, at the opposite end from the seat stem is preferably approximately perpendicular to the seat stem. The socket is preferably sized such that a bar/grip may be inserted and allows for rotative movement of the bar/grip of the device being trailered. An elastic o-ring or other securing means can be used to secure the bar/grip from sliding out the socket.
When using a tubular elongated body, end caps preferably with a tapered lip and a diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the body can be inserted into the ends of the body. The end caps are preferably of a low profile such that they do not hinder the peddling action of the cyclist. The end caps can be reflector caps. This is especially preferred for the end cap opposite to the seat stem. Reflector caps are preferably red in color in accordance with bicycle safety regulations to add to the visibility of the bicycle.
A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the detailed description set forth below is reviewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
As shown in the figures, the present invention provides a apparatus and method for trailering devices behind a bicycle.
Elongated body 12 can be tubular, a solid bar, or of a partially tubular configuration. Preferably, body 12 is constructed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Body 12 can be constructed from premolded tubing or by injection molding PVC. PVC provides minimal friction between apparatus 10 and a bicycle seat stem or bar/grip of a trailered device. Other rigid materials including steel, aluminum, titanium, polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutylene, and the like can also be utilized for body 12.
Body 12 has an aperture 18 near first end 14. Aperture 18 is adapted to receive a bicycle seat stem (not shown). Preferably, the aperture 18 has a diameter (h1) adequate to accommodate bicycle seat stem sizes ranging from at least about ⅞ inch to about {fraction (9/8)} inches. This size range encompass the majority of bicycle seat stem sizes currently available. Preferably, aperture 18 has a diameter of approximately {fraction (9/8)} inches to accommodate this size range and allow for the rotative movement of the device about the seat stem. As one of skill in the art will recognize, diameter (h1) can be of whatever dimension is necessary to accommodate any odd or irregularly sized seat stem. Many of the newer, lighter weight bicycles manufactured of aluminum, titanium, and poly-carbonate have seat stems larger than {fraction (9/8)} inches. Therefore, aperture 18 may need to be sized with a larger diameter to encompass these larger seat stems. Alternatively, some of the older model, heavy metal bicycles have seat stem diameters smaller than ⅞ inch. Therefore, aperture 18 may need to be sized to accompany these smaller seat stems.
Preferably, aperture 18 is at an angle (A) from horizontal to account for the slanted angle installation of most seat stems. Angle (A) is preferably between about 65 and about 75 degrees from horizontal. More preferably, angle (A) is about 67 to about 72 degrees. Angle (A) can be adapted to allow apparatus 10 to be used with bicycles having seat stems with greater or less slant. As the bicycle seat stem angle changes with bicycle designs, so too can aperture 18 be manufactured to accompany these changes. Preferably, Length (J) from edge 22 of aperture 18 to top 26 of first end 14 is approximately {fraction (15/16)} inch. Length (I) from edge 24 to bottom of first end 14 is preferably approximately ⅜ inch.
Generally, apparatus 10 can be attached to a bicycle by removing the bicycle seat stem and inserting it through aperture 18. Alternatively, body 12 may be open on one side of aperture 18 to allow apparatus 10 to be press fit onto the seat stem.
Body 12 has a socket 20 near second end 16. Socket 20 can be an aperture such as is shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Referring to
As shown in
End cap 74, as shown in
Apparatus 10 can be attached to a bicycle by placing a bicycle seat stem through aperture 18 of body 10. A vertical stop 34 can used to control the vertical position apparatus 10 rides on the seat steam. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Preferably, ring 68 is manufactured from Buna N to allow for expansion and contraction around bar/grip 64. The elasticity of ring 68 allows for rotative movement of the bar/grip, but ensures it does not slide out. Other materials with similar properties can also be utilized. Because ring 89 should fit snuggly, it is preferred to pre-stretch ring 68 before using. Ring 68 should have an internal diameter large enough to encompass apparatus 10 while being secured on opposite ends by bar/grip 64. Bar/grip 64 should be firmly held in socket 20 but preferably is secured such that bar/grip 64 can rotate within socket 64. As will be recognized, the size of ring 68 can be varied with the size and configuration of bar/grip 64 and apparatus 10. This method of securing is equally applicable to any of the socket embodiments disclosed in
As shown in
Referring to
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the details of the illustrated apparatus and construction and method of operation may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Other possible features may be included with apparatus 10 such as colored or color-dyed raw materials, stickers and labels, and inserts, sleeves, grommets, bushings, or washers for securing or wear protection.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
6708995, | Apr 12 2002 | SAND DRAGON ENTERPRISES, LTD | Utility cart |
9114844, | Oct 03 2012 | Hauler Cycles, LLC | Bicycle conversion kit and tricycle apparatus |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
2210292, | |||
3827613, | |||
3877723, | |||
4371184, | Feb 09 1981 | Bike trailer | |
4387836, | Jul 09 1981 | Golf bag carrier | |
4431205, | Feb 11 1982 | An-Penn, Inc. | Golf cart |
4759559, | Aug 08 1986 | Multiple use article carrier | |
4770326, | May 05 1986 | Golf club carrier for bicycles | |
4817833, | Dec 31 1987 | Vehicle carrier | |
4848504, | Jun 17 1988 | Convertible walking/riding golf cart | |
4883283, | Jul 01 1988 | S. Richard, Hazelett | Improved hitch and suspension for one-wheel cycle trailers |
4928985, | Feb 16 1989 | Bicycle buggy apparatus | |
5005847, | Feb 26 1990 | Fishing caddy apparatus | |
5020813, | Mar 13 1990 | Bicycle drawn trailer | |
5098113, | Aug 28 1990 | Trailer for cycles | |
5232065, | Nov 20 1991 | C CALVIN HANSEN TRUST | Motorized conversion system for pull-type golf carts |
5240266, | Apr 20 1992 | TRAILTEAM PARTNERSHIP | Hitch for one-wheeled trailer to be towed by two-wheeled vehicles |
5259634, | Dec 18 1992 | Pacific Cycle, LLC | Convertible infant stroller and trailer |
5303944, | Mar 04 1993 | Bicycle riding training device | |
5328193, | Dec 16 1992 | Scooting and coasting golf cart tricycle | |
5340003, | May 05 1993 | Bicycle carrier rack adapter | |
5482304, | Jun 10 1994 | Bicycle attachment for trailering a pull-type golf cart | |
5573259, | Jul 01 1994 | Bicycle trailer | |
5749592, | May 14 1993 | Towing device for two-or three-wheel vehicles | |
5785335, | Sep 07 1995 | BURLEY DESIGN L L C | Trailer cycle |
6036215, | Jun 20 1997 | Device for linking two or more bicycles in tandem | |
6050580, | Feb 24 1998 | Tow bar for towing a trailing bicycle by a leading bicycle | |
6244612, | Dec 10 1997 | Stabilizing device for single and double wheel cycles | |
6286847, | Mar 03 1998 | Bicycle coupling device | |
20010038190, | |||
DE3923998, | |||
FR867444, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Jun 06 2006 | M2551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity. |
Jul 19 2010 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Dec 10 2010 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Dec 10 2005 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Jun 10 2006 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Dec 10 2006 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Dec 10 2008 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Dec 10 2009 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Jun 10 2010 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Dec 10 2010 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Dec 10 2012 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Dec 10 2013 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Jun 10 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Dec 10 2014 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Dec 10 2016 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |